Brazil sees 54% decline in youth party membership since 2010

A study by political scientist Murilo Medeiros at the University of Brasilia, using Tribunal Superior Eleitoral data, shows that the number of 16‑ to 34‑year‑olds enrolled in Brazilian political parties fell by 54% between 2010 and 2026, amounting to a loss of nearly 1.5 million young members.

The researchers describe the trend as “one of the most expressive processes of militancy emptying since re‑democratization.” Analysts link the drop to parties’ difficulty engaging younger citizens and to affective polarization, with many youths likening parties to football fan clubs.

The story is illustrated by 22‑year‑old Sophia Macedo from Vassouras (RJ), who entered public life as a teenage councilor but says she has no intention of joining a party, reflecting the broader shift away from traditional party affiliation among Brazil’s youth.